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Calixarene monolayers as quartz crystal microbalance sensing elements in aqueous solution
M T Cygan1, G E Collins, T D Dunbar
1Chemistry Division, Naval Research Laboratory, Code 6116, Washington, D.C. 20375-5342, 185 Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, and Texas Christian University, P.O. Box 32908, Fort Worth, Texas 76129.
p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenetetrathiolate (BCAT) monolayers show high selectivity for alkylbenzenes in aqueous sensors. These calixarene-based sensors offer superior molecular recognition compared to other film types.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Chemical Sensing
- Surface Science
Background:
- Molecular recognition elements are crucial for developing in situ aqueous chemical sensors.
- Calixarene derivatives offer unique structural properties for self-assembly and molecular interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenetetrathiolate (BCAT) monolayers as molecular recognition elements for aqueous chemical sensing.
- To compare the sensing performance of BCAT monolayers with p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (BCA) and decanethiolate (DT) films.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication and characterization of BCAT monolayers on Au{111} using spectroscopic and wetting studies.
- Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors were employed to assess the chemical specificity of various monolayers and thin films.
- Analysis of sensor response to aromatic and aliphatic analytes in aqueous solutions.
Main Results:
- BCAT monolayers exhibit preferential orientation with phenyl rings parallel to the surface normal.
- BCAT sensors demonstrated high selectivity towards alkylbenzenes, outperforming BCA thin films and DT monolayers.
- Differences in molecular differentiation were attributed to film order and cavitation effects.
Conclusions:
- BCAT monolayers are effective molecular recognition elements for selective aqueous chemical sensing.
- The ordered structure of BCAT monolayers plays a significant role in molecular recognition.
- Calixarene-based films offer a promising platform for advanced sensor development.
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